Quantum Apostrophe:That tree sure was lucky, picking the best atoms it could find to last that long...

They weren't lucky. Like you say, they picked the right atoms (genetically selected is more accurate) Despite what is commonly accepted, it is my assertion that trees, above all other forms, are sentient life. "If you cut me, do I not bleed?" Yes, they do, they also scream when being cut, and alert others of their clan as to dangers such as wild fires and lumberjacks. If you remove their skin they die a slow, painful death. To be clear, I'm not advocating Tree Rights, or some sort of hogwash, as that's simply retarded, but I am saying that those atoms were not taken by the tree out of dumb luck, but by the tree's genetic ability to select those atoms that suit it best.